The Crow Reservation in south-central Montana is a place of culture and tradition. Rolling hills, plains, grasslands and water create a beautiful landscape full of fish and wildlife. Like many Native American cultures, however, the Crow people struggle with poverty and unemployment. Your group can truly bless and be blessed by these people by assisting with children’s programs and home improvement projects.

Demographics

The Crow Reservation encompasses approximately 2.3 million acres, which includes the northern end of the Bighorn Mountains, Wolf Mountains and Pryor Mountains. It is bordered by Wyoming on the south and its northwest boundary is about 10 miles from Billings, Montana. The Crow tribe also is referred to as “Apsaalooke,” which means “children of the large-beaked bird.” Today, tribal membership is approximately 11,000 (7,900 reside on the reservation) and eighty-five percent speak Crow as their first language. This is an “open” reservation, meaning individuals not enrolled in the tribe can own land on the reservation. Each year, the reservation welcomes thousands to the annual Crow Fair, often called the largest family reunion in the world. The Crow have traditionally been an agricultural people, though today they operate only a small portion of their farming acreage. A 65 percent unemployment rate has led not only to poverty, but to a hopelessness resulting in elevated rates of substance abuse and high school dropouts. Come alongside the strong Crow people to encourage, serve and help restore hope to those who are struggling.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Ministries that your students may participate in are Kids Club and Work Projects. Kids Club is a hands-on program led by your youth offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Whether we’re painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, the projects students work on will serve as our way of blessing people in need. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: Go on a hike; visit the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn; take part in a Crow cultural activity; attend a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. They are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Kids Club and Work Projects.

Mileage

The Crow Reservation is located approximately 75 miles Southeast from Billings, MT.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. The Crow Reservation can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller and cannot accommodate trailers.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Montana before or after your trip, visit the following tourism Web sites: www.visitmt.com and www.billings.worldweb.com.